A HOTEL for dogs in Merthyr Tydfil has been given the lick of approval after receiving a prize at the Kennel Club’s Open for Dogs Awards 2010.

Royvon Dog Hotel, based at the kennels in Penyard, took home the Special Recognition trophy on account of its dog-friendly credentials.

The hotel for four-legged guests comprises of purpose-built accommodation for dogs with themed rooms – which were designed by Merthyr Tydfil designer Julien Macdonald – including a presidential suite.

At £29 per night, the doggy rooms cost more than those at the nearby Travelodge, which set human guests back just £20.

The site also has indoor and outdoor exercise areas with agility equipment where dogs can socialise and play, as well as offering owners the chance to watch their dogs via webcam.

Darren James from Royvon said: “We are delighted to have won the Open for Dogs Award for Special Recognition.

“We always make sure that our canine clientele are well catered for, and we’re delighted that so many of our customers think so too.

“These aren’t the kindest of times for any British businesses, so we are confident that our unique set of canine services keeps people coming back to us.”

Open for Dogs is the Kennel Club’s campaign to make public places more accessible for dogs and their owners.

Now in its third year, the Open for Dogs Awards 2010 offers its winners national acclaim for their specialised services to our four-legged friends.

Speaking about the awards, Kennel Club communications director Caroline Kisko, said: “We had a great response to the competition and are really heartened to see that so many British businesses are going out of their way to make dogs and dog owners welcome.

“Dogs are part of the family and it’s tough for their owners when they are unable to fully enjoy days out or holidays in the UK because their dogs are turned away.”